How can I help myself be more punctual?

Question

I am always running late to see people and go to events.

The other day I left early to meet someone at a festival, and there was a detour. Luckily, I had left the house 45 minutes before the time, and my husband said it would only take 15 minutes, and so I met the person right on time.

I am really going to try to make an effort to be punctual from now on. When someone says 2 p.m., I want to be there at 1:30 waiting in my car, and out of the car 10 minutes before and walking into the cafe to meet them.

Answer 1

buy a watch and set it 30 min early

Answer 2

just do as you have answered yourself and allow yourself more than enough time to get somewhere...unfortunately we cannot help the traffic  sometimes so sometimes you will be slightly late, everyone is every now and then

Answer 3

All time pieces in my house and car are set 15 minutes early.  The only time I am ever late is if there is a major accident that I am stuck behind on a freeway.  For most instances, a quick call on my celly lets the person know why I am delayed.  For very important events such as interviews, weddings, funerals, etc., I set my alarm clock 30 minutes early for extra insurance.

I had a friend who was always at least half an hour late - I started telling her the time to meet was half an hour earlier than it really was - she got there on time and I wasn't fuming from waiting for her.  It was the only tactic that ever worked with her - the friendship was worth saving, so....

Answer 4

just plan your day in advance, work backwards when looking at setting off times and things. I think half an hour early is a bit extreme though, just add 10mins on to account for delays, traffic and such like. if you are still late, then at least you intended and planned to be on time/slightly early, in which case your latenesss will no dount be overlooked.

oh and always wear a watch

Answer 5

still leave early, but also set ur watch earlier

ummmm

yeh

gd luck :)

Answer 6

I´d say being somewhere 30 minutes before the scheduled time is a bit overdone. ;)

I make sure to leave "on time" and simply calculate ways generously; however I would never leave 45 minutes before the scheduled date when I found out it takes 15 minutes to get there. Make that 20-25 min earlier for me.

Detours, accidents with cars blocking roads and the likes are things you cannot possibly avoid and at least a private date (as opposed to a doctor´s appointment or a job interview) will be understanding in case that is the reason for you "lateness".

Making an effort is basically half-way there already. Being on time shows you care and respect whoever you´re meeting, so if you want to be on the safe side, simply calculate twice the time you know it would take you to be there on time. :)

Answer 7

You don't seem to have much experience with catching buses or trains!  But, try to imagine that if you are late for something, it's gone, you just aren't allowed in, you failed.  That forces you to anticipate things that could slow you down en route, and leave early enough that you will still be at the station before the train even if some of the things that could slow you down do happen.  Most of the time you will be early, of course, and will have to do some waiting, that's the price of punctuality, but just think of it as part of the way that you show consideration for others.

Answer 8

-U can make use of reminders in ur cell phone

-Use Flash cards/notes and stick them in the places u are likely to see often (e.g- doors, mirrors)

-U can make use of alarm clocks

Answer 9

its proper to be there about 15 minutes early and its smart to always give yourself ample time to get there. Good luck with your resolution!

Answer 10

Drive a motorcycle. Much faster to get around. Not to mention cheaper.

Answer 11

set your clock 15 minutes ahead to make you leave earlier

Answer 12

I think that punctuality is something you are born with! My sister laughs at me because I always arrive when I say I will, and she is always late! You will just have to make a strong effort to be on time. But setting your watch early? Surely you know that you've done that?

Answer 13

Hi. I think you have got it right now... always set off half an hour before you think you have to that way even if there is a delay along the way you should arrive on time. Good luck x

Answer 14

I think you always push yourself in the nick of time when in the first place you knew you can be late.. Have enough self-discipline..

Answer 15

Set all your clocks ten minutes ahead this will get you off to a head start everytime.

Answer 16

Realise that every time you show up late, you are letting people know that you are more important than them.  Whether it's because you took 5 minutes extra sleep or got caught chatting to the neighbour is irrelevant.

If you're late and they're waiting around for 10 minutes, they feel bad.  You are not more important than them - and have no right to keep them waiting.

Answer 17

u have given the solution yourself

Answer 18

Set your alarm for a half hour earlier?

Set your wristwatch ahead for an hour?

Make sure your whole day is earlier - prepare as much as possible the night before, whether it's laying out the clothes or chopping vegetables - and don't waste time, saying to yourself "ok, I have a few more minutes...I can (read newspaper, check email, walk the dog) while I'm waiting." Usually those little detours take a lot more time than intended.

Answer 19

It is all about being organized.

Work backwards from where you need to be.

Work out how long it will take to get there then add on 15 minutes for any delays on the road etc.

Work out how long it will take you to get ready then add on an extra 10 minutes.

Add on the time you will need to do anything else before you leave the house - and again add on a few minutes 'cushion time'.

Once you have all that you will know when you need to start preparing to leave.

Answer 20

Seems like you have the right idea. I always have my watch set 5-10 minutes ahead. It takes practice.